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I'm definitely going to have Lasik surgery in the near future and I've seen post for reputable surgeons, but I'm interested in how much people are paying (and where they're going). It seems most require a consultation before they'll discuss cost. I don't want to have to go to too many consultation to compare pricing. I went in for a consultation a few years ago before moving back to the area and was told I was a candidate for the procedure.
Don't worry, my goal is not to simply find the cheapest! Just want to know what folks are paying for the best surgeons so I can get an idea of how I'll be paying for it and how soon I'll have it done.
My wife had it done last summer (although not in NC), and the cost for both her eyes was about $4000. She had a pretty serious correction, so if the correction is less, the cost might be less. In general, she seems quite happy with the result, although she does still get dry eyes and have some vision problems indoors even after a year.
I assume there are plenty of good physicians that offer this service in the Triangle area for a similar price.
In general, she seems quite happy with the result, although she does still get dry eyes and have some vision problems indoors even after a year.
This is why even though I'm blind as a bat, I won't get the surgery. While most people do fine, I'm afraid I'd be in the "not fine" group. I've been wearing contact lenses for so long it's like second nature to me. Now that I'm getting older (ugh!) I'm becoming farsighted.. so I'd be wearing glasses anyhow! Too bad it doesn't cancel out the nearsightedness!
This is why even though I'm blind as a bat, I won't get the surgery. While most people do fine, I'm afraid I'd be in the "not fine" group. I've been wearing contact lenses for so long it's like second nature to me. Now that I'm getting older (ugh!) I'm becoming farsighted.. so I'd be wearing glasses anyhow! Too bad it doesn't cancel out the nearsightedness!
All I can recommend is Christanbury (sp) in Charlotte - when I had mine first done
in 1999, he was the best in the state, and the surgery went well - for $2000 an eye, but I had bad vision and astigmatisms.
I had a touch up in 2004 as my vision slipped from 15/20 to 30/20 for $500, and with the new technology, the procedure was painless and I've had good vision ever since. Either way, I recommend it - not having glasses is priceless!
I was moderately nearsighted with an astigmatism with dry eyes. I had given up on wearing contacts most of the time b/c they wreaked havoc on my eyes. Finally took the plunge almost 5 years ago and had the procedure at TLC Vision in Raleigh. My goal was to see well enough that I no longer required glasses for my outdoor pursuits like skiing and mountaineering. Mission accomplished. I'm now just a 1/4 diopter off in both eyes with a slight astigmatism. I have glasses and use them mostly for computer work and night driving, though I don't require them for either. My biggest concern was the dry eyes, and for the first 6 months post-op my eyes were quite dry. The next 6 months were better, and after a year the dryness was almost gone. Its so much better now that I don't have dry eyes any longer!
I spent $4200 total for both eyes, which at the time covered an "enhanced" procedure for mapping the surface of the eye...I'd imagine now that's standard.
I also have a family member that works for Christianbury in Charlotte and have heard good things about them from her.
As for the "don't do it, complications are rare but tragic" sorts of comments, well, the same could be said about driving your car, taking ibuprofen or going for a walk in the woods. Without risk, there is no reward.
Wow prices are high here. In California I paid $2500 for both eyes, had astigmatism in both eyes, was borderline legally blind and now I have 20/10 vision and have never regretted having it done. I do need reading glasses for up close work like reading labels or threading a needle but thats old age...lol lasik cant stop that!
Do a lot of research before you do it. BUT, I think is was a great decision for me. I was extremely nearsighted (-11/-13 in contacts). I STILL don't wear glasses/contacts 8 years later (I did mine at TLC in NY it was $5k then). Find a reputable place that does your vision (especially if you have very bad vision). But, if you really want it, don't be too scared. Odds are way higher that you will be fine versus having complications and the better the doctor the better your odds. Don't skimp on the price, it is your health you are paying for.
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Just want to know what folks are paying for the best surgeons so I can get an idea of how I'll be paying for it and how soon I'll have it done. 
